Kennedia beckxiana 'Flamboyant' (Cape Arid Climber) - Moderate to vigorous evergreen climber to 8 to 10 feet tall and wide with trifoliate bright green 1-2 inch long ovate-shaped leaflets that are slightly hairy when emerging and have prominent reddish midveins. In early spring to early summer appear the 2 inch long orange-red flowers, the largest in the genus, with a showy large lime-green central spot at the base of the reflexed keel petal. We spent a while trying to describe the color of this flower as some see it as dark salmon while others describe it more to the red as vermillion - on the RHS color chart it is closest to 39A. Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil. It is evergreen and tolerant of moderate frost, but colder temperatures will damage foliage that re-emerges the following spring. Responds well to being pruned back when young to make a denser plant. A great vine for a fence line, a groundcover or as container specimen. This species comes from the Cape Arid and Israelite Bay region of Western Australia (east of Esperance) where it can be found growing on granitic sand. The genus was named to honor Lewis Kennedy, a 18-19th century English nurseryman. The specific epithet honors Gustav Beckx, a 19th century Belgian consulate General in Australia. This selection (UCSC 98.235) is a UCSC Koala Blooms Australian Plant Introduction for 2011.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Kennedia beckxiana 'Flamboyant'.